Kitchen Design Software: Free & Paid Versions

Remodeling a kitchen is no easy task, but kitchen design software is making design more accessible to homeowners. Although there isn’t kitchen-specific design software that is free or affordable for a one-time use, you do have some apps that feature a good kitchen design component. Otherwise, your only other option is professional-quality design software, which can cost $1,000 or more. Let’s take a look some of the programs available to homeowners:

Paid Software

1. Encore 3D Home Architect Design Suite

This software costs between $35 and $70. It’s easy to use, which is one of its pros, but it’s not effective enough to hand off to your contractor to use. It’s also not limited to your kitchen, so you can use it for other rooms in your home.

2. Custom Cabinet Software

Cabinets account for about 75 percent of your new kitchen costs, but high-end custom kitchen cabinetry design software can run upwards of $400 per year. If you make cabinets, this software does the job, but for many homeowners, it’s too specialized.

3. Punch! Software Home Design Studio Pro

This almost-professional design software is one of the best on the market, but it does cost $250 or more to use. It does have a learning curve, but most people master it within a weekend of using. With this software, you can almost hand over your design to your contractor and be ready to move forward.

Free Software

1. SketchUp

This design tool is food for all rooms in your home and is truly free. Many home remodelers use this tool. (It does have a Pro version that costs around $700.) You’ll find a lot of support for use, but only peer support.

2. IKEA Home Planner

Home Planner used to be a tool only for kitchen design, but it has expanded its scope. Make sure to set up an account before creating a plan, because it’s been known to delete plans that were set up without an account. This software is great for cabinet placement.

3. Prodboard

Prodboard is Ukraine-based, but it does have a lot of nice functions. There is a dedicated closet planner, which is uncommon in most 3d home design software tools. You have to use Prodboard on the company site, and you cannot purchase products. However, it is completely free to use.

As with most products, you get what you pay for. Even with kitchen design software, it’s still a good idea to work with a kitchen designer in North Jersey to make sure you’re staying within good design parameters that may not be addressed by the software tools for home users. We recommend you work with a kitchen designer for quality custom kitchen cabinetry design that is familiar with the kitchen design software you have been playing around with. Perhaps together you can craft a kitchen you will love.